Summary

This handbook provides an overarching framework for implementation of effective financial management and other controls, consistent with your obligations as public-funded bodies.

Colleges must comply with this handbook as a condition of their accountability agreement.

Read this handbook if you have responsibility for governing, managing or auditing a college or college group. It is effective from 1 August 2024 and will remain in force until updated or replaced.

It is for:

  • college governors
  • accounting officers
  • chief financial officers
  • governance professionals
  • auditors

This handbook makes a number of references to specific statutory obligations. However, the handbook should not be taken as offering legal advice. Where a college needs advice it should take it from its appointed legal advisers.

To provide feedback about this handbook or to contact the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) for guidance, use the customer help portal.

Contents